M&M’S® Christmas Tree Cookies: Crispy, Creamy Holiday Joy!

Sensory-Rich Introduction with Immediate Craving

Imagine a tray of vibrant, festive cookies that resemble perfectly decorated Christmas trees, glistening with royal icing and dotted with cheerful M&M’S® candies. The moment you bite into one of these cookies, you’re enveloped in a delightful contrast of crispy edges and a soft center, while the sweetness of the icing and chocolate elevates your taste buds to a holiday cheer like no other. Each cookie carries the spirit of the season, evoking memories of merrymaking with family and friends, decorating trees, and enjoying warm treats by the fireplace. These M&M’S® Christmas Tree Cookies are not just a dessert; they are a joyful tradition waiting to happen, perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply indulging in some festive baking at home.

Why You’ll Love This M&M’S® Christmas Tree Cookies

• Textural Delight: Featuring a crunchy exterior with a tender interior, the combination creates an irresistible mouthfeel.
• Flavor Harmony: The balance of buttery sweetness in the cookie pairs wonderfully with the rich chocolate of the M&M’S® and the sugary accent of the royal icing.
• Versatile Decoration: Ideal for personal expression, these cookies can be decorated with a variety of sprinkles and candies to cater to different tastes.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can confidently whip up a batch.
• Universal Appeal: Loved by both kids and adults, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any festive celebration, making them perfect for sharing.

Essential Tools & Preparation Strategy

• Stand Mixer: A must-have for achieving the perfect cookie dough and royal icing consistency; it saves time and effort.
• Cookie Cutters: Triangle-shaped cutters or simple, sharp knives for hand-cutting cookies into festive tree shapes.
• Piping Bags: Essential for detailed decorating work, allowing for precision when applying royal icing.
• Parchment Paper: For lining baking sheets, ensuring cookies don’t stick and providing easy cleanup.
• Rolling Pin: Useful in rolling out the dough to an even thickness for uniform baking.
• Cooling Rack: Vital for allowing baked cookies to cool evenly, creating the perfect texture.
• Plastic Wrap: Handy for wrapping dough when refrigerating, preventing drying out and adhering odors.
• Baking Sheets: Two or more sheets will help streamline the baking process.

Ingredients & Their Roles in This M&M’S® Christmas Tree Cookies

Main Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and moisture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create a tender texture.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent for structure and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, inviting flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.

Dry Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cookie structure.
• Powdered Sugar (Royal Icing): Creates a smooth, sweet icing for decoration.
• Meringue Powder: Stabilizes the royal icing, ensuring it dries properly.

Decorative Ingredients

• Green Gel Food Coloring: For vibrant icing representing Christmas trees.
• Holiday Sprinkles: Adds a festive touch and texture contrast.
• M&M’S® Milk Chocolate Holiday Candies: Serve as edible ornaments for an inviting look.
• Pretzel Sticks: Function as cute tree trunks for added dimension.

Substitutions & Preparation Notes

You can replace unsalted butter with margarine for a dairy-free option. Other candies can be used for decoration to cater to preference.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect M&M’S® Christmas Tree Cookies

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the butter and sugar on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla extract, and salt; mix well.
2. Add Flour: With the mixer off, incorporate all-purpose flour on low speed to form a cohesive dough.
3. Chill Dough: Divide the dough in half, shape into rectangles, wrap in plastic, and chill for 2 hours.
4. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Flour your rolling surface and roll out one dough portion to ½-inch thickness. Cut into triangle shapes and chill for 15-20 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake Cookies: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden, rotating the baking sheet halfway for even cooking. Move to a wire rack to cool.
6. Insert Pretzel Trunk: While cookies are still warm, gently insert a pretzel stick into each cookie’s base.
7. Make Royal Icing: Beat powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water for about 7 minutes until stiff. Add green gel coloring.
8. Decorate Cookies: Once cooled, pipe icing in a zigzag. Apply sprinkles and M&M’S® as decorations. Let dry completely.

Chef’s Notes & Pro Tips for Flawless Results

• Room temperature ingredients yield the best results, promoting even mixing.
• Royal icing can be made in advance and stored. Ensure the container is sealed tight to prevent hardening.
• Customization can include different food colors for icing, seasonal sprinkles, or varying shapes of cookies.

Avoid These Common Cooking Mistakes

• Not Chilling the Dough: Leads to cookies spreading too much during baking. Always chill.
• Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold ingredients can result in uneven mixing and texture.
• Overbaking: Check at the lower time limit; cookies harden as they cool.
• Mismatched Icing Consistency: Icing that’s too runny will not hold its shape. Aim for thick, yet pipeable consistency.
• Neglecting to Rotate Baking Sheets: This can cause uneven baking and browning; rotate halfway through.
• Too Much Flour in Dough: Measure carefully and spoon flour rather than scooping to avoid density issues.
• Improper Cooling of Cookies: Always let cookies cool completely before decorating to prevent melting icing.
• Using Extra Cold Tools: Warm tools like mixing bowls can ensure better blending when creaming butter and sugar.

Creative Variations & Customizations

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
• Nutty Flavor: Add finely chopped nuts to the dough for extra texture and richness.
• Seasonal Spices: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg for a holiday flavor twist.
• Vegan Twist: Use vegan butter and egg replacement (like flaxseed) for a vegan-friendly version.
• Different Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create various festive shapes beyond trees, such as stars or snowflakes.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With M&M’S® Christmas Tree Cookies

• Hot Chocolate: A creamy hot chocolate is the ultimate beverage pairing, enhancing the chocolatey flavors of the cookies.
• Eggnog: The richness of eggnog complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
• Milk: Classic pairing, the cold milk balances the sweet cookies, appealing to kids and adults alike.
• Coffee: A strong, brewed coffee creates an excellent contrast to the sugary treat, perfect for an adult gathering.
• Fruit Punch: A festive punch adds a fruity brightness, making it perfect for holiday parties.
• Tea: A spiced or chai tea creates a warm atmosphere, contrasting with the cool sweetness of the cookies.
• Dessert Platter: Pair these cookies with other festive desserts for a tempting holiday assortment.
• Cheese Platter: A savory cheese platter offers a palate-refreshing taste that offsets the cookies’ sweetness.

Storage & Meal Prep Instructions

• Fridge Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature.
• Freezer Storage: Freeze undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Methods: Allow frozen cookies to thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.

Youch Nutrition Facts & Health Insights

Nutrient	Amount per Cookie
Calories	150
Sugar	10g
Sodium	50mg
Total Fat	6g
Saturated Fat	4g
Unsaturated Fat	1g
Trans Fat	0g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fiber	0g
Protein	2g
Cholesterol	25mg

Key ingredients like butter provide healthy fats, while the M&M’S® add a fun touch of chocolate-flavored enjoyment in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
2. What can I use instead of meringue powder? You can use egg whites as a fresh alternative for royal icing.
3. How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much? Ensure the dough is chilled before baking, and don’t skip on the refrigeration time.
4. Is it possible to make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can freeze the dough or baked cookies for later use.
5. How can I store leftover royal icing? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for a short period; rewhip before use.
6. What other candies can I use for decorations? Feel free to use mini chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or seasonal sprinkles.
7. How should I transport the cookies? Use a sturdy container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking during transport.
8. Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

Final Inspiration & Kitchen Confidence

Preparation and baking can often feel daunting, but creating M&M’S® Christmas Tree Cookies is a delightful and fulfilling experience that brings joy to both the maker and the eater. As you bring holiday cheer to life, remember that every cookie is a creation filled with love and warmth, inviting friends and family to share in the sweet traditions that make this time of year so special. Get into your kitchen, enjoy the process, and let the celebration of the season unfold with every bite!

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